This trip is a unique combination of :

Ecology and Geography

Local Venda Culture

Nature

History

A Botanist/ecologist who worked for 18 years in Botanical research, and lectured for 9 years at the University of Venda leads this specially designed program.

The location of this trip is in the far Northern portion of South Africa....it is the home of the Venda tribal group. This tribal group, is on the last tribes to migrate down from Central Africa. They came to South Africa, after the landing of the first whites in the South.

The breakdown of the local Africa healer and prophets, who play different parts, will be made clear to you as you travel. The local healers understand that you have questions and that you may be skeptical of there knowledge.. they are quite open about that.

Group Size:

While larger groups of up to 10 person may be possible, this type of trip is best suited for smaller groups or 2 to 4 persons.

 

Please note..this package is not designed to meet any travelers specific needs....the people visited are real, who live this lifestyle......if you cannot adjust to changing conditions of hygiene ie outside toilets when visiting some of the healers, local food, then this is not for you. The aim of the this package is people, culture, and nature. This is not a cultural tourist village. While they have there place, this is real people living out there lives.

Access to traditional tribal healers and to Sunday church services, African style, is due to the trust and connection of the tour guide. This aspect of local culture is usually closed of to the general public. However we have the permission to access the Sunday prayer service to experience the singing, dancing, drumming and prayer of this small African based church, or place of worship.

This tour is best done over 4 nights at a minimum....the distances covered make it to rushed to try and do 3 nights. See below in the notes section of different ways to package this trip.

Below is a synopsis of what is and could be covered....these are totally subject to change according to what happens as the trip unfolds. This means even if we agree to meet a healer..they may choose to do something else, and we go to option # 2.

Meals...All breakfasts, some dinners, and lunches will be inlcuded.. this gives you the freedom to experience some local restaurants as you travel, visit supermarkets....see and experience the country from a local perspective.

Driving...Distances are long, dirt roads are part of the trip.....Please be aware of this....

Lodging:

There is a possiblity that for one of the nights in Venda, you could stay in of the huts of a local healer.

Also for the last night at Mupangupwe, you can choose between a moderate lodge, that has the sacred rock of the Venda people on it( we usually take a walk/climb on it..not very strenuous) or stay at a more luxury newer lodge closer to the park.. the latter includes all your meals.

Day 1    : arriving  from overseas:
 
After arrival : trip to Pretoria,   Introductory explanations while visiting the Vortrecker Monument . This place give a nice overview of Pretoria and Magalisberg. Opportunity to eat a snak.
Continue trip up to  Warmbath. (arrival about 2 o clock,  check in in Shagri La Hotel ) .
Opportunity to rest and explore surrounginds.
Evening : reception "banquet" and overview - introductory lecture - discussion giving an overview  and outline of the trip .
 
Day two:
Towards north. 
Midday : Visit to the open air museum  " Bakona Malapa "  to Malapa, where an old village of the Tswana ' s was reconstructed. Overnight : L. Trichardt, Hotel Mountain View.
 
Day 3 : (along the southern side of the Soutpansberge)
Travel to Thoyandou. Venda translator joins the group. Visit to  herbalist Healer M. Salomon , who lives in a traditional  way. Traditional meal at midday. Introduction to some aspects of the Venda people and culture.
View of subtropical plantations of avocados, macadamia nuts,  bananas, litchis and citrus. Hotel L. Trichardt .
 
Day 4  ( if  Sunday)
Morning : time to get provisions for the midday meals.
Midday : Healing service at Betty.
Experiencing drumming and singing and healing ceremonies for 3 a half hours.
Afterwards traditional meal.  Sometimes,  if wanted, Betty (she has clarvoyant abilities ) could privately pray for 2   people. (takes about 1 hour per person. Private consultation are not included in the package, a donation of   R  250 per consultation is suggested) . 
 
Day 4. 
Experiencing the african  semi - desert  and savanna with baobabs on the northern side of the Soutpansberg.
Walk in the montain to a bushmann refuge (not for frail people) .
Afternoon : visit to John,  near Willies poort. Return to Hotel using Willies poort.
 
Day 5 .
Venda art , culture and history :
(local guide : Mrs Mojadji Stam takes over . She is the best local white guide,  as she dominates the language and lives between them. )
 
-- bead work
-- batik
-- potterie
-- Mission hospital Elim
 
Accomodation Mountain View Hotel .
 
Day 6
Late departure (people tend to be overtaxed by the day before )  to Tshipise, a thermal ressort.  Healing mineral water comes out at high temperature.  Thermal bath with many amenities.  Walks in the african bush in the Hornet Nature Reserve. 
 
or
Trip to Musina and accomodation near Messina in a lovely lodge owned by a german homeopath. Walk in the surroundings.
 
Day 7
 
Visit of the ruines of Mapungupwe.
Explanations by a local guide.
Same accomodation.
 
Day 8
Thohoyandou,  ex capital of Venda.
Opportunity to visit  Shangaan traditional healer  Daniel near the KP gate of Punda Maria .  People who would like private consultations / and prayers by Betty are given the opportunity.  Accomodation at Venda Tusk hotel  (ex Venda Sun) .
 
Day 9
Trip  to  Giyani - Tzaneen  .
Visit to the  Modjadji  Cycad Reserve and Museum about the Modjadji Queen, famous because of her ability to make rain. The only group guided by a king.
Accomodation in  Eiland Aventura resort.
 
Day 10
Experiencing  to traditional healer and a local "story teller" at Letsitele.
or visit  Merensky Nature Reserve.  Accomodation : Eiland Aventura resort
(Kruger Park tipe of Rondavals)
 
Day 11
Entering  KP through Palawora Gate  to Olifants Camp. KP experience.
People can participate (not included in the trip) in early morning or night game drives;.
 
Day 12
Through the KP  to Skukuza. Game viewing
 
Day 13
Trip  back to Johannesburg using  Route  N 4.  Evening : Checking in and Departure.